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15th
Oct 2010
European Clubs Half Marathon
in Portugal Tops Weekend Action
Local athletics will certainly leave a major carbon footprint
this weekend with competitive action in Omagh,Comber,Dundrum,Dublin
and Lisbon where a City of Derry Spartans mens squad will
represent Ireland in the prestigious European Clubs Half Marathon
Championships.
The Portugal trip will take the red vests to Dublin tonight(Friday)
for an early morning flight to Lisbon on Saturday and then
on a further 40 odd kilometres to the race venue in Torres
Verdis where they will prepare for Sunday mornings 13.1 miles
against the cream of Europes top club runners.
City of Derry Spartans bridge a 15 year
gap when they compete in the European Champion Clubs’
Half Marathon Championships in Torres Vedras, Portugal. The
local club represents Ireland in the event after winning the
national team championships at the distance in Stranorlar
just over twelve months ago.
However, City will have to field their “Carling Cup”
squad with some of their top runners deciding to miss out
on the race to concentrate on the Dublin City Marathon toward
the end of the month.
Nevertheless City Secretary Eoghan Furey has named a formidable
squad led by Emmett McGinty who won the recent Marty Gallagher
Memorial 5K at Templemore. Aaron Doherty who finished in runner-up
spot that day is also included as is Gary Slevin who took
fourth.
The club’s mentors will also be looking for big runs
from Belfast-based solicitor Brendan Murphy who impressed
at the Waterside Half Marathon and Cathal Logue - just returned
home after a five-year sojourn in London. The experienced
Gary McGee completes the squad and will act as captain. Malcolm
McCausland is coach/manager of the team.
On their last appearance in 1995, City of Derry, known then
as Sparta, took eighth place of the 13 clubs competing clubs
beating English champions Blackheath. Mayo Athletics Club
represents Ireland in the women's race held at the same venue.
Masters Eye International Vests
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Closer to home the Masters International Trial races in Comber
tomorrow and Dublins Phoenix Park on Sunday will attract a
big local interest,keen to make either the NI or Irish squads
for the Masters International,at Santry Stadium in Dublin
on Saturday 13th November next. With green vests at stake
for all 5 year age bands from over 35, the talented local
contingent will be determined to continue their strong representation
at this level in recent years.
Anne Paul who finished second in last Sundays Armagh 10 miler,Jacqueline
McGinley,Bridgeen Byrne and Roisin Lynch will be significant
City of Derry contendors tomorrow in their respective age
groups and Foyle Valley siblings Dawn McDaid and Rosie O Brien
if they travel
could also be in the picture. Sammy McAnaney,Dermot Connolly,Peter
Lilburn,Gerry Lynch,Christy McMonagle and Colin Roberts are
live
prospects in their mens age categories with the latter pair
set to travel South on Sunday in search of recognition.
With a squad away in Portugal,the Masters committed to their
trial races and several others in the final stages of their
Dublin Marathon preparations the Comber Cup Open race will
compete with tomorrows Sallys 10K in Omagh for attention.No
doubt the Omagh event will pull another big influx of the
die hard road runners,the start time is 11am and race HQ is
at the Omagh Leisure Centre.
The Great Dundrum 8.4m Multi Terrian run from the Dundrum
GAA Hall at 1pm on Saturday is reported to have closed its
entry list.Hopefully any local runners interested got in on
time for what should be an interesting jaunt over road,Murlough
Beach and the nearby Nature Reserve.
Primary Schools Cross Country League Next Friday
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Good news for all aspiring Primary School athletes as the
hugely popular Derry Primary Schools Cross country League
returns on Friday next 22nd October for the first of three
rounds of 1K races. The Sports Complex is venue number one,St.Columbs
Park hosts round two on Friday 3rd December and its back to
the Complex for the finale on Friday 21st January next. All
venues will share a 12.30pm start and Athletics NI co ordinator
Heather Martin reports another massive interest in what has
been a very popular Series in the past couple of years.
As ever the top individual and school teams qualify for the
NI finals at Mallusk in February next. Last year local schools
produced the Boys winner and runner up at Mallusk,Long Towers
Christopher McLaughlin and Shea McDevitt from Hollybush PS
with St.Particks finishing third Girls team as the Derry talent
showed up very well. Lets hope 2010/2011 goes as well!
Gerry Lynch 13/10/10
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